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To many in the South, feminism is still a dirty word.
Kate Jaffe and Sydney Daigle are working the change that.
Jaffe, a fourth-year psychology student and Daigle, a fourth-year anthropology and women and gender studies student, are co-presidents of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
The club, sponsored by the Feminist Majority Foundation, began about six years ago.
“We want to advocate for women’s rights, equality and health,” Daigle said. “We also want to spread awareness of what feminism is and create a community for women.”
Jaffe and Daigle said South Carolina faces a lot of challenges when it comes to women’s rights. From high levels of domestic violence and teen pregnancy to no female representatives in the state legislature, the co-presidents said there is much work to be done.
“Many feminist organizations find it hard to link political activism with grassroots organization,” Jaffe said.
FMLA takes a multi-dimensional approach to helping women across the state. Each semester, they work on an activism project, which often focuses on the more political aspects of the feminist movement. They also hold bake sales and jewelry sales to support local organizations that help women, such as women’s shelters and safe houses.
This semester, the group is working with Tell Them! S.C., an organization that seeks to “support better public policies to improve reproductive health education in our schools and communities and increase access statewide to reproductive health care,” according to its Web site, www.tellthemsc.org.
Jaffe and Daigle said they consider their organization part of a third wave of feminism with a broader focus, including gay rights and social justice.
While the feminist movement has come a long way from its bra-burning days, many people still have misconceptions about what it means to be a feminist.
“There is a stigma surrounding the word ‘feminism,’” Jaffe said. “It you believe women are equal to men, you’re kind of a feminist.”
Daigle said people still associate feminism with militant women.
“People think you don’t date, don’t enjoy looking nice, don’t wear skirts, all sorts of crazy stuff,” Daigle said.
Daigle said a correct definition of feminism often helps clear up many of the misconceptions. She defined it as, “the policy, practice or advocacy of political, economic and social equality for women.”
Members also equip themselves to be good advocates. By staying aware of current events, doing advocacy training and discussing issues relevant to women today — both in the U.S. and around the world — they prepare to help extend women’s rights in many different capacities.
Ultimately, FMLA is a community of women, although men are welcome, too.
“I found my niche in the Carolina community,” said Amanda Tatum, a fourth-year international studies student. “I love being part of a community that gives back to USC and the Columbia area. I also like getting together with like-minded people.”
Daigle said it’s always a good time, and both Daigle and Jaffe agree, “Feminism is fun.”
The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance meets onWednesdays at 6 p.m. in Russell House room 302. Their next meeting will be Nov. 18.
